Wood Debris Removal

Please read the following instructions before scheduling your pickup.

Update: Due to the recent announcement of eradication of the Asian Longhorned Beetle in Manhattan and Staten Island, this service is no longer available in these boroughs. Please refer to the Department of Sanitation for proper handling of wood debris for curbside pickup.

All Wood must be placed curbside between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. the night before your scheduled appointment. This service is NOT for Christmas tree disposal.

What can I put out for chipping?

You can put out firewood or organic (i.e. green or untreated) woody debris from trees and shrubs, including living, dead, cut, or fallen branches, twigs, logs, stumps, roots, and anything ½ inch or over in diameter.

How do I bundle the debris?

All wood debris must be free of nails, cement, or any other non-wood materials.

Debris must be bundled in bales no larger than 3 by 4 feet. Bundles must be tied with twine or rope.

There is a maximum of 30 bundles permitted per appointment.

Do not use nylon line, tape, or other binding material to bundle woody debris.

No single piece of debris can be greater than 4 feet long or 10 inches wide.

What can't I put out ?

Treated or painted lumber, which includes wood furniture, wood pallets, and building lumber, as well as mulch, chips, and leaves will continue to be serviced by the Department of Sanitation.

Christmas Trees

In addition, any organic woody debris that is generated from commercial activity is not eligible for the program. Wood debris generated from hired tree contractors or fee-for service personnel is considered commercial waste, and it is therefore the responsibility of the contractor to arrange for appropriate private disposal. All contractors handling organic woody debris within the Asian longhorned beetle quarantine zone are required to be certified by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Identification stickers indicating compliance are to be attached to all contractor vehicles. (For more information on contractor compliance, call NYS Agriculture & Markets at 631-288- 1751).